Child Life Specialist
Child life specialists are pediatric healthcare professionals who help infants, children, youth, and families cope with the stress and uncertainty of acute and chronic illness, injury, trauma, and hospitalization. They use therapeutic play, preparation techniques, and psychosocial support. The median salary is approximately $50,000 with 8% projected growth. Certification requires a bachelor's degree, a supervised internship, and passing the Child Life Professional Certification exam.
A Day in the Life
A typical day starts with reviewing the patient census and identifying newly admitted children who may need support. Mid-morning involves preparing a five-year-old for surgery using a doll to demonstrate the procedure. After lunch, the specialist leads an art therapy group for long-term patients. Late afternoon includes helping siblings understand a brother's diagnosis, documenting interventions, and planning a birthday celebration for a patient.
Key Stats
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Salary Range
Entry: $36,000
Median: $50,000
Senior: $72,000
Job Growth